A new study published in the June 2013 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) showed that uniforms in healthcare facilities are not washed on the recommended daily basis. While the study focused on the different laundering practices between provider types, it revealed that 90 percent of survey respondents washed their white coats only once a month. Scrubs were washed more frequently than white coats, but on an average of every two days. Even so, an equal number of respondents (90%) were aware that their uniforms were potentially contaminated deadly bacteria. A recent whitepaper released by X-STATIC® discusses immediate action steps toward incorporating soft surface bacterial management into every day infection prevention protocols, such as conducting a soft surface fabric risk assessment including assessing staff laundering procedures and awareness of bacterial contamination of these and other healthcare laundered fabrics (linens, patient gowns, privacy curtains, etc.). The whitepaper also discusses incorporating antimicrobial fabrics as part of a comprehensive environmental hygiene program. A major obstacle for most infection prevention technologies and programs is staff compliance. Incorporating engineering controls like antimicrobial fabrics powered by X-STATIC® technology reduce the reliance on the staff to follow proper procedures. The antimicrobial protection will also protect staff and patients between launderings as studies have shown uniforms are quickly re-contaminated after being put back in use. X-STATIC® technology is registered antimicrobial agent with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It permanently bonds textile fibers with a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver layer creates an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the surface of the fabric. It provides...

Infection Control Today featured an informative slideshow, “Evaluating Antimicrobial Textiles,” on its website. The slideshow was adapted from an article that appeared in the June 2013 issue and takes a look at the issue of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and how antimicrobial fabrics powered by X-STATIC® can help prevent the spread of bacteria in healthcare environments. Peggy Prinz Luebbert participated in the panel discussion on behalf of X-STATIC®. When asked about the lack of attention given to contamination of laundered fabrics in the patient environment, Luebbert states, “Very little attention is currently given to bacterial management of soft surfaces compared to infection prevention protocols for hand hygiene and hard-surface disinfection. The problem is that the effectiveness of these other procedures is compromised without incorporating soft surface fabrics into an overall infection prevention program.” The panelists also discuss: What infection preventionists should know when evaluating antimicrobial textiles Making the business case for adopting antimicrobial textiles as part of an overall infection prevention program Clinical evidence on the effectiveness of antimicrobial fabric technologies To view the entire slideshow, please click here. X-STATIC® technology is registered antimicrobial agent with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It permanently bonds textile fibers with a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver layer creates an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the surface of the fabric. It provides continuous, permanent protection of fabrics between launderings and lasts the life of the product. Since it is inherent in the fabric, it requires no modification in staff behavior, mitigating compliance issues. It is also safe for the environment and staff earning...